Plastics-Injection Mold and Die Setter

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Brighton (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals – Skilled Trades Division is hiring an experienced Plastic Injection Mold Setter / Die Setter for a full-time opportunity in Brighton, MI. You will perform mold changes, machine setups, and connect thermolators and hot runner systems.

Responsibilities include mold care and inspection, equipment handling, and supporting production teams while maintaining setup documentation and safety.

Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing, machine setup, mold setting, or related mechanical experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to read blueprints and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform injection mold changes and machine setups according to the production schedule.
• Safely load, position, install, and remove injection molds.
• Connect and set up required processing and water lines.
• Set up and connect thermolators and hot runner systems.
• Install mold cores according to established quality procedures.
• Verify proper mold alignment and setup before production.

Skills

Mold changing

Machine setup

Thermolator connection

Hot runner systems

Material handling

Mold preparation

Job description

Plastic Injection Mold Setter / Die Setter

Location: Brighton, Mi
Employment Type: Full-Time | Long-Term Career Opportunity
Shift/Schedule: 6:30am-3:30pm
Pay Range: $19.00 – $21.00/hour, *additional compensation may be negotiable based on individual experience level and transferrable skills.

Introduction: Express Employment Professionals – Skilled Trades Division is hiring an experienced Plastic Injection Mold Setter / Die Setter for a full-time manufacturing opportunity. We’re looking for a mechanically inclined professional with hands‑on experience performing injection mold changes, machine setups, thermolator and hot runner connections, material handling, and mold preparation.

Position Summary

The Plastic Injection Mold Setter is responsible for the safe and accurate setup of injection molding machines and molds, ensuring equipment is properly prepared for production. This position will perform mold changes, connect water and processing equipment, set up thermolators and hot runners, install mold cores, inspect molds, and ensure all machine safety devices are functioning properly. The Mold Setter will also provide floor support and direction to production employees while maintaining accurate setup documentation and communicating quality, safety, or production concerns to leadership.

Key Responsibilities Mold Changes & Machine Setup

• Perform injection mold changes and machine setups according to the production schedule.
• Safely load, position, install, and remove injection molds.
• Connect and set up required processing and water lines.
• Set up and connect thermolators and hot runner systems.
• Install mold cores according to established quality procedures.
• Verify proper mold alignment and setup before production.
• Ensure injection molding machines and associated safety devices are operating properly.
• Complete Mold Setup Sheets accurately and on time.
• Deliver molds, tooling, and related equipment to molding machines according to scheduled production requirements.

Mold Care & Inspection

• Clean and inspect molds following completed production runs.
• Evaluate molds according to established quality criteria.
• Properly clean water, oil, and other fluids associated with mold changes.
• Handle molds and equipment carefully to prevent damage.
• Identify mold or equipment concerns and communicate issues to the appropriate team members.

Equipment & Material Handling

• Safely operate a forklift/fork truck to transport molds, tooling, and equipment.
• Use wheeled carts, rollers, and other material-handling equipment to move heavy loads.
• Follow proper procedures when transporting and positioning molds.
• Maintain organized tooling and equipment around molding operations.

Production & Team Support

• Help direct and provide support to production staff.
• Coordinate mold changes with production schedules and leadership.
• Complete required daily production reporting.
• Communicate quality, safety, and production concerns promptly to the Molding Manager or Team Leader.
• Assist with additional production responsibilities throughout the facility as needed.
• Participate in required job‑related training.

Safety & Housekeeping

• Follow all OSHA, plant safety, and equipment safety procedures.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas.
• Ensure water, oil, and other materials from mold changes are properly cleaned.
• Operate forklifts, machinery, and tools safely.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices throughout the molding department.
• Work efficiently while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications Required

• Previous manufacturing, machine setup, mold setting, or related mechanical experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to safely operate or become qualified to operate a forklift.
• Ability to read blueprints and work instructions.
• Ability to push or pull heavy loads using carts, rollers, or other material‑handling equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Basic proficiency in reading, math, and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced team environment.
• Strong initiative and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work around manufacturing conditions including noise, dust, and heat.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of injection mold or die‑setting experience.
• Previous experience setting molds in plastic injection molding machines.
• Experience with thermolators and hot runner systems.
• Working knowledge of: Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Industrial machinery, Basic electrical/electronic systems.
• Forklift experience.
• Previous experience cleaning, inspecting, and preparing injection molds for production.

Why Join the Team?

• Hands‑on position focused on injection molding and mold setup.
• Build valuable experience with thermolators, hot runners, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Opportunity to expand your mechanical and plastics manufacturing knowledge.
• Work in a team environment where your ability to complete efficient mold changes directly impacts production.
• Opportunity to develop additional floor leadership and manufacturing skills.